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About Youth Science Canada

Every year, over 500,000 young Canadians participate in project-based science – as many as are registered in play minor hockey. Unlike hockey, the numbers don’t last. And no wonder. If we played hockey the way we play science – “Read the chapter on body-checking and answer the questions at the back” – there would be a lot less hockey in this country.

Since 1962, Youth Science Canada has played a vital role in nurturing the scientific impulse amongst our youth - encouraging them to get their hands dirty and develop scientific and technological knowledge and skills through project-based science.

Fired by the energy of over 8,000 volunteers – educators, scientists, engineers and parents across a network of over 100 regional organizations - Youth Science Canada works to capture the imaginations of young Canadians and broaden their access to science.

Today's youth are the next generation of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. We want to ensure that all young Canadians have the chance to peer through a microscope and be mesmerized by what they see. We want a country where teachers look forward to teaching science, where parents are thrilled to be "science parents," and kids can't wait to play science.

Vision

Canada benefits from the innovative science and technology contributions of its youth.

Mission

Youth Science Canada exists so Canadian youth are engaged through science in inquiry and critical thinking.

Engaging and supporting Canada's young scientists

We are inspired by the potential of Canada’s youth to improve the world through science and we make programs and resources to help realize that potential.

For over 50 years, Youth Science Canada has been Canada's leading organization for the promotion of innovation and celebration of excellence in science, engineering and technology among our nation's youth.

Youth Science Canada provides or partners in programs to increase awareness and involvement of youth in science, engineering and technology, to engage, mentor and recognize Canada’s young scientists, to set standards for scientific experimentation by young people, to promote the creation and support of science and technology fairs, and to engage scientists, engineers, educators, parents and leading public and private sector organizations in the development of a national science, engineering and technology network of Canadian youth.

Youth Science Canada is best known for its showcase event, the annual Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF), which hosts the top 500 young scientists from across the country. In 2011, Youth Science Canada proudly celebrated an important milestone, hosting the 50th annual Canada-Wide Science Fair, in Toronto.

A national, registered charitable organization, Youth Science Canada relies on the largest volunteer network of its kind in Canada - more than 8,000 dedicated parents, teachers and scientists – and the generosity of our sponsors, donors and partners, who share our commitment to spark a passion for science among our nation’s youth.

History

Canada saw its first science fairs in 1959 when Winnipeg, Edmonton, Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver all hosted fairs. Two years later the volunteers formed the Canadian Science Fairs Council to coordinate efforts and share ideas for success.

In 1966, the Council was replaced by the Youth Science Foundation. Its purposes went beyond science fairs, to support scientists and teachers, coordinate extra-curricular activities in science, engineering and technology, and promote a better understanding of the role of these fields in national and international affairs. In 1995 the organization changed its name to Youth Science Foundation Canada and in 2008 to Youth Science Canada.

Many organizations are engaged in the challenge to interest youth in science, engineering and technology. Only Youth Science Canada, however, has 50 years of experience to its credit, and a network of thousands of dedicated volunteers working from coast to coast to coast.

Awards to Youth Science Canada

2003
ITAC Community IT Hero Award

Information Technology Association of Canada
The award is presented in recognition of leadership and dedication to community improvement through the innovative use of information technology. Visit ITAC for details.

1996Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion

Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
The award honours individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the promotion of science in Canada, through activities encouraging popular interest in science or developing science abilities. Visit NSERC for details.